The success of the record lies in the choice of material – it eschews the obvious and over–played in favour of rarer songs – and in the diverse instrumentation. Medieval instruments and dhol drums sit happily alongside electric guitars and create a remarkably cohesive backdrop to heartfelt singing. We’re in The Albion Band Rise Up Like The Sun territory here. Yes – it’s that good.
It is, dare I say it, an essential album in the genre and I will be seeking out the first album forthwith. A collection of songs which rewards repeated listens. Buy it – quick!
Nick Hall, Tykes Stirrings
...a cracking melange of sound which mixes seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive whole.
Simon Jones, Spiral Earth ****
…And now here’s Bold Reynold Too, an equally magnificent disc feeding on the unstoppable enthusiasm of this felicitous assemblage of like-minded top-flight musicians…. It’s very much indicative of the inexhaustible riches of folk tradition; so I can already see Bold Reynold Three peering round the corner!
David Kidman Folk London Must Listen (*****)
One can only hope that Carroll continues in the same vein and there is another release coming soon, as while it took many years for the debut to be released he has hit the folk rock scene with a vengeance as this is yet another essential release.
Progressor ******
The second, yet second to none, chapter of a breathtaking endeavour… the payoff is truly phenomenal.
Dimitri Epstein, Let It Rock *****+
His superpower has been to bring together members of Fairport Convention (Dave Pegg, Chris Leslie) and Gryphon, along with The Men They Couldn’t Hang’s Tom Spencer, all trailblazers in their own way, and managed to forge something that takes the best of what they have to offer and add a certain something of his own - a fine fusion of folk-rock, medieval prog and carefully curated traditional songs. Altogether, a hugely enjoyable album… interestingly intricate instrumental meanderings… Musical excellence… It’s never short of engaging and occasionally quite exhilarating.
Damian Liptrot, Folk North West
"Bold Reynold Too" (Talking Elephant, UK) the second album by David Carroll and Friends, has to be some of the boldest, sharpest English "electric-folk"/folk-rock I've ever heard. This is an all star line-up where Mr. Carroll is backed by a wonderful group of Fairport Convention and Gryphon veterans. I hope the collective assembled can figure out a way to tour this, given the complexity of everyone's schedules.
Ken Roseman, USA
The first volume was a great success and I have no doubt its successor would do the same even if it were marketed in a brown paper bag… David has pushed the envelope a bit further this time, both in arrangements and in his choice of material.
Dai Jeffries, Folking.Com
An amazing collaboration, a stellar lineup. There’s some amazing musicianship - a great, great album… I’m just in bliss here
Tim Walker BBC Radio Lincolnshire
A wonderful album
Frank Hennessy, Celtic Heasrtbeat, BBC Radio Wales
I’m in awe of David’s friends. I really enjoyed that… They do a great job here. I think that was a great version, the musical arrangement is fascinating. Well done all round.
Genevieve Tudor, Genevieve Plays Folk
…an album that fully respects the tradition it honours, but also isn’t afraid of giving it some tweaks of its own.
Mike Davies, Bright Young Folk
The arrangements are new but the songs are treated with respect and the skill and dedication of the musicians shines through. Definitely an album I will enjoy playing for a long time.
Alan Castle, Around Kent Folk
‘Sheath and Knife’ definitely rocks, in a very 1970s way, and the closing vocal quintet take of ‘Adieu, Sweet Lovely Nancy’ is haunting and quite lovely. Cleverly and intricately arranged, wide-ranging and varied.
Rupert Loydell, International Times